Asian Elephant ‘Bertie Mae’ Dies At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

VALLEJO (CBS SF) — Bertie Mae, a female Asian elephant who resided at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, died at the age of 34 last week.

The elephant suffered a non-recoverable injury in her hind leg, and she was euthanized after consultations with elephant experts across the country, according to Nancy R. Chan, spokeswoman for Six Flags.

“Our elephant staff is particularly heartbroken,” said Don McCoy, park president, in a statement. “They have loved and cared for the mischievous and spirited Bertie Mae since her arrival here in 2005.”

Asian elephants may live up to 60 years, but most die earlier, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo.

Bertie Mae loved to swim and frolic in her pool, Chan said.

The elephant’s tissues will be shared with universities and researchers to be used for research into elephant populations in captivityand in the wild, Chan said.